8mo–20mo10 minArtFree playBath time
Sprinkle, Throw, Spread!
A big-movement, baby-safe mark-making session where the adult offers simple materials that invite sprinkling, throwing, and spreading, while noticing how your child responds to the marks and effects they create.
What you'll need
Essentials
- large paper/cardboard (or the inside of a delivery box)
- washable paint OR edible yogurt/puree (choose what’s safest for your child)
- spoon or small cup (for sprinkling/dropping)
- old towel/mat (to protect the floor/table)
Nice to have
- music (phone speaker) or a simple rhyme you can repeat
- baby wipes/warm cloth for clean-up
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneMakes connections between their movement and the marks they make.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneShows interest in making marksMind· 10mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneHas a strong exploratory impulse.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExplores or responds to texturesBody· 6mo–12mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneRepeats actions that have an effect, e.g. kicking or hitting a mobile or shaking a rattle.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneMoves to music or rhythmBody· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneMoves rhythmically to musicBody· 11mo–23mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneParticipates in songs and rhymesMind· 14mo–2.3y· core· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide materials to encourage large motor movements, e.g. sprinkling, throwing or spreading paint, glue, torn paper or other materials.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)